British Expat Becomes First Foreign-Born Mayor in French Village

Maureen Searle, a 71-year-old former pharmacist and English teacher from Oxfordshire, has made history by becoming the first British woman elected as a mayor in France. She was elected to lead the small village of Mont-Saint-Éloi, located in the Pays d'Artois region of northern France, earlier this year.

Searle moved to the village in 2000 with her husband and has been a citizen of France for many years. She previously served on the local council and stepped in to replace the previous mayor when he was ill, a move that helped her gain the trust of the community. Despite some initial opposition during her campaign, with some locals referring to her as "L'Anglaise," Searle won the election by a significant margin.

"Overnight I became Madame la Maire, but I say to everyone, 'just call me Maureen'," Searle told The Times. She speaks fluent French without an English accent and expressed her motivation for seeking the role: "What interested me was being able to do something for my village." She described her position as "a huge privilege" and aims to protect and showcase the village, which she calls "a little gem."

Residents have praised Searle's commitment. Alain Cogez, a 75-year-old local, stated, "She's been a councillor for years... We like her, and she's devoted to this community." Another resident, Amandine Kayndaszyk, 33, characterized Searle as "dynamic" and "a breath of fresh air."

Mont-Saint-Éloi is a picturesque village known for the ruined towers of the Mont Saint-Éloi Abbey, which date back to the seventh century. The village is situated amidst woodland and countryside, with houses built from the abbey's white stone. It offers walking and cycling trails and hosts an annual event called the "Boucle de l’Artois."

Despite her integration into French life, Searle and her husband maintain a fondness for British comforts, including PG Tips tea and an English breakfast. The village is located approximately 45 minutes from the city of Lille and 15 minutes from Arras.